Setting tool and method

ABSTRACT

A setting tool can include a hydraulic setting mechanism that actuates in response to a level of a pressure differential between a central flow passage and an exterior of the setting tool, and a check valve assembly that permits flow between sections of the central flow passage in one direction but prevents flow in an opposite direction. One of the sections is in fluid communication with an exterior of the setting tool. A method of setting a well tool can include deploying the well tool and a setting tool into a well, and applying a pressure differential across a check valve assembly of the setting tool, thereby setting the well tool. In the deploying step, the setting tool includes the check valve assembly.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an example described below, more particularly provides a setting tool and method.

A setting tool can be used to set or actuate various other well tools in a well. For example, an appropriately configured setting tool can be used to set a packer, a plug, a cement retainer, a whipstock anchor and various other types of well tools. The setting process for these tools can result in the tool being anchored in the well and, in many cases, sealed against an inner wall of a borehole, a casing that lines the borehole, another tubular, etc.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that improvements are continually needed in the art of designing, constructing and utilizing setting tools. Such improvements would be useful in a variety of different boreholes and with a variety of different types of well tools to be set in a well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of an example of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of a well tool and a setting tool that can embody the principles of this disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-D are representative cross-sectional views of successive axial sections of the well tool and setting tool in a run-in configuration.

FIGS. 4A-C are representative cross-sectional views of successive axial sections of the well tool and setting tool in a set configuration.

FIG. 5 is a representative cross-sectional view of the well tool and setting tool in a released configuration.

FIGS. 6A & B are representative cross-sectional views of successive axial sections of the well tool and setting tool in a retrieval configuration.

FIG. 7 is a representative cross-sectional view of the well tool and setting tool in a flow-through configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for use with a subterranean well, and an associated method, which can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the system 10 and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the system 10 and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, a tubular string 12 has been deployed into a borehole 14. The borehole 14 is lined with casing 16 and cement 18 in this example, but in other examples the borehole may be uncased or open hole.

The tubular string 12 may be substantially made up of segmented or continuous tubing, pipe or other tubular members. In the FIG. 1 example, the tubular string 12 includes a bottom hole assembly 20 connected at a downhole end of the tubular string.

The bottom hole assembly 20 in this example includes a well tool 22 and a setting tool 24. The setting tool 24 is configured to set the well tool 22 in the borehole 14.

In this example, the setting process includes anchoring the well tool 22 in the casing 16, so that displacement of the well tool along the borehole 14 is prevented. However, note that anchoring a well tool in a borehole or a casing or other tubular is not necessary in other examples.

The setting process in this example also includes blocking flow through an annulus 26 formed between the well tool 22 and the casing 16. However, note that blocking flow through an annulus between a well tool and a borehole or a casing is not necessary in other examples.

The well tool 22 in the FIG. 1 example is of the type known to those skilled in the art as a cement retainer. In other examples, the well tool 22 could be a packer, a bridge plug, a frac plug, a liner hanger, a whipstock anchor, or another type of well tool. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of well tool with a setting tool.

The well tool 22 example depicted in FIG. 1 includes a packer 28 and openings 30 formed in a tubular extension 32 that extends downhole from the packer. The openings 30 provide for fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the tubular extension 32.

The packer 28 seals against an inner wall of the casing 16 and thereby prevents flow through the annulus 26 in this example. The setting tool 24 is operative to set the packer 28 (e.g., cause the packer to grip and seal against the casing 16), and then to permit flow from an interior of the setting tool 24 (and an interior of the tubular string 12 uphole of the setting tool) to the exterior of the tubular extension 32 via the openings 30.

In the FIG. 1 system 10, the permitting of flow from the interior of the tubular string 12 uphole of the setting tool 24 to the exterior of the tubular extension 32 provides for flowing cement 34 into the borehole 14 downhole of the packer 28 after the packer is set. In other examples, the cement 34 or another substance could be flowed into the borehole 14 or the annulus 26 uphole of the packer 28.

After the packer 28 is set, the setting tool 24 can be released from the well tool 22. This allows the setting tool 24 and the remainder of the tubular string 12 to be retrieved from the borehole 14. In other examples, it may not be desired to retrieve the setting tool 24 and the remainder of the tubular string 12 after the well tool 22 is set, in which case the setting tool may not be released from the well tool downhole.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, a partially cross-sectional view of an example of the bottom hole assembly 20 in a run-in configuration thereof is representatively illustrated. The bottom hole assembly 20 may be used in the system 10 and method of FIG. 1, or it may be used with other systems and methods.

For convenience of description, the bottom hole assembly 20 is described as it may be used with the FIG. 1 system 10 and method. However, it will be appreciated that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of a bottom hole assembly or a setting tool with any particular system or method.

In the FIG. 2 example, the setting tool 24 includes a hydraulic setting mechanism 36. A central flow passage 38 extends longitudinally through the hydraulic setting mechanism 36 and the packer 28, and terminates at a downhole end of the tubular extension 32.

A check valve assembly 40 is releasably secured in the flow passage 38. The check valve assembly 40 divides the flow passage 38 into an uphole section 38 a and a downhole section 38 b. The check valve assembly 40 in the FIG. 2 run-in configuration prevents flow from the uphole section 38 a to the downhole section 38 b, but permits flow from the downhole section to the uphole section.

A flow path 114 extends between the uphole section 38 a and the exterior of the bottom hole assembly 20. Flow through the flow path 114 is controlled by the check valve assembly 40. In the run-in configuration, the flow path 114 extends through the check valve assembly 40, which permits flow in only one direction.

While the bottom hole assembly 20 is being deployed into the borehole 14, fluid 42 in the borehole can enter the openings 30 and flow into the flow passage 38. The fluid 42 flows into the downhole section 38 b and then through the check valve assembly 40 to the uphole section 38 a. This allows the tubular string 12 to fill with the fluid 42 as it is run into the borehole 14.

The hydraulic setting mechanism 36 sets the packer 28 in response to application of a pressure differential from the uphole section 38 a of the flow passage 38 to an exterior of the setting tool 24. The exterior of the setting tool 24 in this example corresponds to the annulus 26 in the FIG. 1 system 10. However, when used with other systems, the exterior of the setting tool 24 does not necessarily correspond with an annulus between the setting tool and casing that lines a borehole.

When increased pressure is applied to the uphole section 38 a (for example, using pumps located at surface), the check valve assembly 40 prevents the increased pressure from being transmitted to the downhole section 38 b and thence via the openings 30 to the exterior of the bottom hole assembly 20. In this manner, a pressure differential can be conveniently created from the uphole section 38 a of the flow passage 30 in an interior of the setting tool 24 to the exterior of the setting tool.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 3A-D, more detailed cross-sectional views of successive axial sections of the bottom hole assembly 20 are representatively illustrated. In FIGS. 3A-D, the well tool 22 and setting tool 24 are in the run-in configuration.

In FIG. 3A, it may be seen that the setting tool 24 includes an upper connector 44. In this example, the upper connector 44 is configured for connecting the setting tool 24 in the tubular string 12. In this manner, the flow passage 38 is in communication with an interior flow passage of the tubular string 12, allowing the well tool 22 to be set by applying increased pressure to the tubular string at or near the surface (such as, at a land-based or water-based well rig).

The hydraulic setting mechanism 36 of the setting tool 24 includes annular chambers 46 in communication with the exterior of the setting tool, and annular chambers 48 in communication with the interior of the setting tool (more specifically, the uphole section 38 a of the flow passage 38). Pistons 50 separate the chambers 46, 48.

When pressure in the uphole section 38 a exceeds pressure on the exterior of the setting tool 24, the sets of pistons 50 are biased away from each other. A shear member 52 initially prevents the pistons 50 from displacing away from each other. However, when the pressure differential reaches a predetermined level, the shear member 52 will shear, and thereby allow an outer housing assembly 54 to be displaced downhole by the pressure differential applied to piston areas of the pistons 50. An inner mandrel assembly 56 remains rigidly connected to the upper connector 44 (and the tubular string 12 connected thereto) as the outer housing assembly 54 displaces downhole relative to the inner mandrel assembly.

In FIG. 3B, it may be seen that a setting sleeve 58 and an adapter 60 are connected at a downhole end of the outer housing assembly 54. The setting sleeve 58 and adapter 60 are longitudinally adjustable in length in this example to allow the setting tool 24 to be configured for use with a variety of different well tools.

The adapter 60 is axially aligned with an outer housing assembly 62 of the packer 68. In FIG. 3C, it may be seen that the outer housing assembly 62 includes a ratchet housing 64 connected at a downhole end thereof. A one-way ratchet in the form of a body lock ring 66 permits the outer housing assembly 62 to displace downhole relative to the inner mandrel assembly 56, but prevents the outer housing assembly from displacing uphole relative to the inner mandrel assembly.

The ratchet housing 64 abuts an upper slip 68 configured in this case to grip an inner wall of the casing 16 (see FIG. 1). In other examples, the upper slip 68 and a lower slip 70 could be configured to grip an inner wall of another type of tubular, or an inner wall of an uncased borehole. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of slip, or to use of slips at all.

Positioned longitudinally between the upper and lower slips 68, 70 are oppositely facing wedges 72, 74. Positioned between the wedges 72, 74 is an annular seal element 76. However, in other examples, a well tool set by the setting tool 24 may not include an annular seal element, Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of seal element, or to use of a seal element at all.

When the outer housing assembly 62 is displaced downhole relative to the inner mandrel assembly 56, the slips 68, 70, the wedges 72, 74 and the seal element 76 will be longitudinally compressed between the ratchet housing 64 and an outer sleeve 78 secured to the inner mandrel assembly 56. This longitudinal compression causes the slips 68, 70 to ride up on the respective wedges 72, 74, so that the slips are displaced radially outward. The longitudinal compression also causes the seal element 76 to extend radially outward.

In this example, the radially outward displacement of the slips 68, 70 causes them to grippingly engage the inner wall of the casing 16 and thereby anchor the bottom hole assembly 20 against displacement relative to the casing and borehole 14. The radially outward extension of the seal element 76 causes it to sealingly engage the inner wall of the casing 16 and thereby block flow through the annulus 26 between the packer 68 and the casing in this example.

Note that a release member 80 in the form of a shear sleeve is connected between an upper section 56 a of the inner mandrel assembly 56 and a lower section 56 b of the inner mandrel assembly. The upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a is positioned substantially in the setting tool 24 and the lower inner mandrel assembly 56 b is positioned substantially in the well tool 22.

When the outer housing assembly 62 is displaced downhole relative to the inner mandrel assembly 56, a tensile longitudinal force is produced in the inner mandrel assembly 56. The release member 80 will part, thereby allowing the upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a to displace uphole relative to the lower inner mandrel assembly 56 b, when the tensile force in the inner mandrel assembly 56 reaches a predetermined level. This predetermined level corresponds to a predetermined pressure differential from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24.

A ratchet housing 82 is connected to an upper end of the shear ring 80, and is connected at a lower end of the upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a. A one-way ratchet in the form of a body lock ring 84 permits the upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a to displace uphole relative to a tubular extension 86 of the setting tool 24 but prevents the upper inner mandrel assembly from displacing downhole relative to the tubular extension.

An upper end of the tubular extension 86 is sealingly and slidingly received in a bore 88 formed in the upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a. The flow passage 38 extends longitudinally through the tubular extension 86. The check valve assembly 40 is releasably secured in the flow passage 38 in the tubular extension 86 uphole from the openings 30 in the FIGS. 3A-D run-in configuration of the bottom hole assembly 20.

The check valve assembly 40 in this example includes an outer housing 90 slidingly received in the flow passage 38. A seal 92 carried on the outer housing 90 sealingly engages an inner wall of the tubular extension 86.

A shear member 100 releasably secures the outer housing 90 against longitudinal displacement relative to the tubular extension 86. The shear member 100 will shear and thereby release the check valve assembly 40 for displacement relative to the tubular extension 86 when a predetermined pressure differential is created from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the downhole flow passage section 38 b.

Contained in the outer housing 90 are a seat 94, a closure 96 and a bias member 98. The seat 94 in this example is annular shaped and configured to sealingly engage the closure 96. The closure 96 in this example is in the form of a poppet, but other types of closure members (such as, plugs, flappers, etc.) may be used in other examples.

The bias member 98 applies a biasing force to the closure 96. The biasing force is in a direction such that the closure 96 is biased toward sealing engagement with the seat 94. In other examples, the seat 94 could be biased toward sealing engagement with the closure 96, or no bias member may be used. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of closure or seat, or to use of any particular type of bias member, or to use of any particular component or combination of components in a check valve assembly.

When the closure 96 sealingly engages the seat 94, flow downhole through the flow passage 38 and flow path 114 is prevented by the check valve assembly 40. A pressure differential can be created from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the downhole flow passage section 38 b by applying increased pressure to the uphole flow passage section 38 a (for example, using pumps positioned at or near the surface).

Flow uphole through the flow passage 38 is permitted in the run-in configuration of FIGS. 3A-D if a pressure differential from the downhole flow passage section 38 b to the uphole flow passage section 38 a is large enough to overcome the biasing force exerted by the bias member 98 (if the bias member is used). Preferably, the biasing force is set at a level low enough to enable the borehole fluid 42 to enter the openings 30, flow upwardly through the downhole flow passage section 38 b, through the check valve assembly 40 and into the uphole flow passage section 38 a as desired. If the bias member 98 is not used, the pressure differential from the downhole flow passage section 38 b to the uphole flow passage section 38 a does not have to overcome the biasing force to open the check valve assembly 40 and permit flow of the fluid 42 through the flow path 114 from the downhole flow passage section 38 b to the uphole flow passage section 38 a.

In FIG. 3D it may be seen that, in this example, openings 102 are formed through the tubular extension 86 at a position longitudinally aligned with the openings 30 in the tubular extension 32. Thus, the borehole fluid 42 can flow through the aligned openings 30, 102 from the exterior of the well tool 22 to the interior flow passage 38 of the setting tool 24.

A sliding sleeve 104 is releasably connected to a lower end of the tubular extension 86. In this example, resilient collets 104 a formed in an upper end of the sliding sleeve 104 are engaged in an external annular recess 86 a formed on the tubular extension 86. The collets 104 a are closely received in a bore 106 of the tubular extension 32, thereby preventing the collets from displacing radially outward and out of engagement with the recess 86 a.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 4A-C, a portion of the bottom hole assembly 20 in a set configuration is representatively illustrated. In this example, the well tool 22 is anchored to the casing 16 and sealingly engaged therein.

Pressure in the uphole flow passage section 38 a is increased to thereby create a pressure differential from the uphole flow passage section 38 a in an interior of the setting tool 24 to an exterior of the setting tool (in this example the exterior of the setting tool corresponds to the annulus 26). When the pressure differential reaches a predetermined level, the shear member 52 shears, thereby permitting the outer housing assembly 54 to displace downhole relative to the inner mandrel assembly 56.

The downhole displacement of the outer housing assembly 54 longitudinally compresses the slips 68, 70, the wedges 72, 74 and the seal element 76. As a result, the packer 28 grips and seals against the inner wall of the casing 16. Specifically, the slips 68, 70 are radially outwardly extended into gripping engagement with the casing 16, and the seal element 76 is radially outwardly extended into sealing engagement with the casing.

When the pressure differential is created from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24, the pressure differential is also applied across the check valve assembly 40, since the downhole flow passage section 38 b is in communication with the annulus 26 via the openings 30, 102. The pressure differential from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the downhole flow passage section 38 b biases the closure 96 to increasingly bear against the seat 94.

The shear member 100 is configured to prevent displacement of the check valve assembly 40 through the flow passage 38 in the tubular extension 86 while the pressure differential is applied to set the well tool 22. However, when the pressure differential is increased to a greater level, the shear member 100 will shear and thereby release the check valve assembly 40 for displacement downhole through the flow passage 38 in the tubular extension 86, as described more fully below.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 5, a portion of the bottom hole assembly 20 is representatively illustrated in a released configuration. In this configuration, the well tool 22 is set and the setting tool 24 is released from its connection to the well tool. The setting tool 24 and the remainder of the tubular string 12 uphole of the setting tool can now be retrieved to the surface, if desired.

Note that the release member 80 has been parted, thereby allowing the upper inner mandrel assembly 56 a in the setting tool 24 to separate from the lower inner mandrel assembly 56 b in the well tool 22. The release member 80 is parted by applying an increased pressure to the uphole flow passage section 38 a, thereby increasing the pressure differential applied from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24. The check valve assembly 40 continues to prevent flow from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the downhole flow passage section 38 b. This pressure differential level to shear the release member 80 is greater than the pressure differential level applied to set the well tool 22.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 6A & B, the bottom hole assembly 20 is representatively illustrated in a retrieval configuration. In this configuration, the setting tool 24 is being retrieved from the well. The well tool 62 remains set in the casing 16 as the setting tool 24 is retrieved from the borehole 14.

Note that, as the setting tool 24 is displaced uphole relative to the well tool 22, the tubular extension 86 of the setting tool is withdrawn from within the tubular extension 32 of the well tool. The sliding sleeve 104 that was previously connected at the lower end of the tubular extension 86 initially displaces uphole with the setting tool 24, but when the collets 104 a eventually engage a radially enlarged annular recess 108 formed in the lower inner mandrel assembly 56 b, the collets are permitted to flex radially outward and disengage from the recess 86 a on the tubular extension 86. In this position, the sliding sleeve 104 blocks flow through the openings 30.

Note, also, that the check valve assembly 40 has been displaced downhole in the tubular extension 86. The shear member 100 has been sheared by a pressure differential applied across the check valve assembly 40 from the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the downhole flow passage section 38 b. This pressure differential level to shear the shear member 100 is greater than the pressure differential level to shear the release member 80.

With the check valve assembly 40 displaced downhole in the tubular extension 86, the check valve assembly no longer blocks flow between the uphole flow passage section 38 a and the openings 102. Fluid 110 can now flow out of the uphole flow passage section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24 as the setting tool is retrieved to the surface. This allows the tubular string 12 to drain as it is retrieved from the well.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 7, the bottom hole assembly 20 is representatively illustrated in a flow-through configuration. This configuration may be used after the released configuration of FIG. 5 and before the retrieval configuration of FIGS. 6A & B, if it is desired to provide for relatively unrestricted flow through the flow path 114 between the uphole flow passage section 38 a (see FIGS. 4A-C) and the exterior of the bottom hole assembly 20.

In the FIG. 7 example, fluid communication is permitted in both directions through the flow path 114 between the flow passage 38 in the interior of the setting tool 24 and the annulus 26 downhole of the packer 28. In other examples, fluid communication may be provided between the flow passage 38 and other locations exterior to the bottom hole assembly 20.

The check valve assembly 40 has been displaced downhole in the tubular extension 86 as described above with regard to the retrieval configuration of FIGS. 6A & B. Unrestricted flow is now permitted between the flow passage 38 and the exterior of the bottom hole assembly 20 via the openings 30, 102.

In this example, cement or another substance 112 can now be flowed from the flow passage 38 to the annulus 26 downhole of the packer 28. When the cementing or other operation is completed, the setting tool 24 can be retrieved from the well as described above for the FIGS. 6A & B retrieval configuration.

It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure provides significant advancements to the art of designing, constructing and utilizing setting tools for use in wells. In examples described above, the setting tool 24 allows for convenient filling of the tubular string 12 as the bottom hole assembly 20 is deployed into the well, and then setting of the well tool 22, without requiring that a ball or other plug be pumped downhole to the setting tool (which can be time-consuming, and difficult to accomplish in horizontal or highly deviated boreholes).

In one aspect, the above disclosure provides to the art a setting tool 24 for use in a subterranean well. In one example, the setting tool 24 can include a hydraulic setting mechanism 36 that actuates in response to a level of a pressure differential between: a) a central flow passage 38 extending longitudinally through the hydraulic setting mechanism 36, and b) an exterior of the setting tool 24; and a check valve assembly 40 that prevents flow from a first section 38 a of the central flow passage 38 to a second section 38 b of the central flow passage 38 but permits flow from the second section 38 b to the first section 38 a. Flow is permitted between the second section 38 b and the exterior of the setting tool 24.

In any of the examples described herein:

The check valve assembly 40 may be displaceable between first and second positions: in the first position, the check valve assembly 40 permits flow from the exterior of the setting tool to the first section 38 a, and the check valve assembly 40 prevents flow from the first section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24. In the second position, the check valve assembly 40 permits flow from the first section 38 a to the exterior of the setting tool 24. In the second position, the check valve assembly 40 may permit flow from the exterior of the setting tool 24 to the first section 38 a.

The hydraulic setting mechanism 36 may be operable to set a well tool 22 in response to application of a first level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40. The check valve assembly 40 may displace from the first position to the second position in response to application of a second level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40, the second pressure differential level being greater than the first pressure differential level.

The hydraulic setting mechanism 36 may include a release member 80 configured to releasably couple the setting tool 24 to the well tool 22. The release member 80 releases the setting tool 24 in response to application of a third level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40. The third level may be greater than the first level and less than the second level.

The check valve assembly 40 may include a seat 94, a closure 96, and a bias member 98 that biases the closure 96 toward sealing engagement with the seat 94. The check valve assembly 40 may be releasably secured against displacement relative to the central flow passage 38.

In another aspect, a setting tool 24 example described above can include a flow path 114 between an interior of the setting tool 24 and an exterior of the setting tool 24; and a check valve assembly 40 positionable in first and second positions: a) in the first position, the check valve assembly 40 permits flow through the flow path 114 from the exterior to the interior of the setting tool 24, and the check valve assembly 40 prevents flow from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool 24, and b) in the second position, the check valve assembly 40 permits flow through the flow path 114 from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool 24.

In any of the examples described herein:

In the second position, the check valve assembly 40 may permit flow from the exterior to the interior of the setting tool 24.

The check valve assembly 40 may include a seat 94, a closure 96, and a bias member 98 that biases the closure 96 toward sealing engagement with the seat 94.

The setting tool 24 may include a hydraulic setting mechanism 36 operable to set a well tool 22 in response to application of a first pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40. The check valve assembly 40 may displace from the first position to the second position in response to application of a second pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40, the second pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential.

The hydraulic setting mechanism 36 may include a release member 80 configured to releasably couple the setting tool 24 to the well tool 22. The release member 80 may release the setting tool 24 in response to application of a third pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40, the third pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential and less than the second pressure differential.

The check valve assembly 40 may in the first position block flow between first and second sections 38a,b of an interior flow passage 38 of the setting tool 24 and block flow between the first section 38 a and an opening 102 that permits flow between the second section 38 b and the exterior of the setting tool 24.

The check valve assembly 40 in the second position may permit flow between the first section 38 a and the opening 102.

A method of setting a well tool 22 in a subterranean well is also provided to the art by the above disclosure. In one example, the method can include: deploying the well tool 22 and a setting tool 24 into the well; and applying a first pressure differential across a check valve assembly 40 of the setting tool 24, thereby setting the well tool 22. In the deploying step, the setting tool 24 includes the check valve assembly 40.

In any of the examples described herein:

The method can include applying a second pressure differential across the check valve assembly 40, thereby opening a flow path 114 between an interior of the setting tool 24 and an exterior of the setting tool 24. The second pressure differential is greater than the first pressure differential.

The opening step can include displacing the check valve assembly 40 from a first position in which the check valve assembly 40 blocks flow through the flow path 114 to a second position in which the check valve assembly 40 does not block the flow through the flow path 114.

The deploying step may include permitting flow through the check valve assembly 40 in a first direction from an exterior of the setting tool 24 to an interior of the setting tool 24.

The setting step may include preventing flow through the check valve assembly 40 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second direction being from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool 24.

The method may include flowing a substance 112 from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool 24 after the setting step. The substance 112 may comprise cement 34.

Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example's features are not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features.

Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used.

It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.

The terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.”

Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A setting tool for use in a subterranean well, the setting tool comprising: a hydraulic setting mechanism that actuates in response to a level of a pressure differential between: a) a central flow passage extending longitudinally through the hydraulic setting mechanism, and b) an exterior of the setting tool; and a check valve assembly that prevents flow from a first section of the central flow passage to a second section of the central flow passage but permits flow from the second section to the first section, in which flow is permitted between the second section and the exterior of the setting tool.
 2. The setting tool of claim 1, in which the check valve assembly is displaceable between first and second positions: in the first position, the check valve assembly permits flow from the exterior of the setting tool to the first section, and the check valve assembly prevents flow from the first section to the exterior of the setting tool, and in the second position, the check valve assembly permits flow from the first section to the exterior of the setting tool.
 3. The setting tool of claim 2, in which, in the second position, the check valve assembly permits flow from the exterior of the setting tool to the first section.
 4. The setting tool of claim 2, in which : the hydraulic setting mechanism is operable to set a well tool in response to application of a first level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly, and in which the check valve assembly displaces from the first position to the second position in response to application of a second level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly, the second pressure differential level being greater than the first pressure differential level.
 5. The setting tool of claim 4, in which the hydraulic setting mechanism comprises a release member configured to releasably couple the setting tool to the well tool, and in which the release member releases the setting tool in response to application of a third level of the pressure differential across the check valve assembly, the third level being greater than the first level and less than the second level.
 6. The setting tool of claim 1, in which the check valve assembly includes a seat, a closure, and a bias member that biases the closure toward sealing engagement with the seat.
 7. The setting tool of claim 1, in which the check valve assembly is releasably secured against displacement relative to the central flow passage.
 8. A setting tool for use in a subterranean well, the setting tool comprising: a flow path between an interior of the setting tool and an exterior of the setting tool; and a check valve assembly positionable in first and second positions: a) in the first position, the check valve assembly permits flow through the flow path from the exterior to the interior of the setting tool, and the check valve assembly prevents flow from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool, and b) in the second position, the check valve assembly permits flow through the flow path from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool.
 9. The setting tool of claim 8, in which, in the second position, the check valve assembly permits flow from the exterior to the interior of the setting tool.
 10. The setting tool of claim 8, in which the check valve assembly includes a seat, a closure, and a bias member that biases the closure toward sealing engagement with the seat.
 11. The setting tool of claim 8, further comprising: a hydraulic setting mechanism operable to set a well tool in response to application of a first pressure differential across the check valve assembly, and in which the check valve assembly displaces from the first position to the second position in response to application of a second pressure differential across the check valve assembly, the second pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential.
 12. The setting tool of claim 11, in which the hydraulic setting mechanism comprises a release member configured to releasably couple the setting tool to the well tool, and in which the release member releases the setting tool in response to application of a third pressure differential across the check valve assembly, the third pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential and less than the second pressure differential.
 13. The setting tool of claim 8, in which the check valve assembly in the first position blocks flow between first and second sections of an interior flow passage of the setting tool and blocks flow between the first section and an opening that permits flow between the second section and the exterior of the setting tool.
 14. The setting tool of claim 13, in which the check valve assembly in the second position permits flow between the first section and the opening.
 15. A method of setting a well tool in a subterranean well, the method comprising: deploying the well tool and a setting tool into the well; and applying a first pressure differential across a check valve assembly of the setting tool, thereby setting the well tool, in which, in the deploying, the setting tool includes the check valve assembly.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying a second pressure differential across the check valve assembly, thereby opening a flow path between an interior of the setting tool and an exterior of the setting tool, the second pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential.
 17. The method of claim 16, in which the opening comprises displacing the check valve assembly from a first position in which the check valve assembly blocks flow through the flow path to a second position in which the check valve assembly does not block the flow through the flow path.
 18. The method of claim 15, in which the deploying comprises permitting flow through the check valve assembly in a first direction from an exterior of the setting tool to an interior of the setting tool.
 19. The method of claim 18, in which the setting comprises preventing flow through the check valve assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second direction being from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising flowing a substance from the interior to the exterior of the setting tool after the setting. 